UK Pet Food publishes pet obesity statistics for dogs, cats, small mammals and other pets annually. This research, which has been gathered for more than 12 years, is the result of surveys among vets conducted every year at the London Vet Show and at other veterinary events. We speak to these professionals to gather their thoughts on pet nutrition in addition to monitoring obesity levels.
UK Pet Food’s Pet Obesity Reports
Over the last 20 years, UK Pet Food has written three detailed reports on pet obesity statistics in the UK. In addition to publishing obesity data, we speak to experts and the public for their stories and advice. Our next report will be published in 2024.
Pet Obesity Report Findings
Our research among pet owners in advance of our most recent report confirmed that almost 70% of owners thought their pet was exactly the right size, and 67% admitted they were not concerned about pet obesity. In fact, only 8% admitted their pet needed to lose some weight, and 12% said their pet needed to lose a small amount of weight.When compared to the levels of obesity that vets see in practice, these figures don’t add up!
Our pet obesity reports arepublished every five years. Look out for the next one in 2024 but in the meantime, you can read our historical reports.
A study conducted by The Association for Pet Obesity
Pet Obesity
Obesity in pets occurs when excessive adipose tissue accumulates in the body, and is generally defined as occurring when an animal's body weight is at least 20% greater than its optimal body weight.
Prevention in 2022 found 59% of dogs and 61% of cats as overweight or obese. These alarming statistics highlight the need to educate pet owners on the consequences of having an overweight or obese pet.
10 Pet Obesity Figures and Insights Veterinarians estimate that up to 59% of all pets suffer from obesity. Over the past decade, the number of overweight cats has surged by 169%, while overweight dogs have increased by 158%. Around 37% of dogs are already overweight by the time they reach 6 months of age.
Recent statistics classify the majority of pets in the United States – about 56% of dogs and 60% of cats — as overweight or obese. Along with our house pets, an estimated 30% of horses are now considered obese, too. What is Obesity? Dogs are considered overweight when they weigh 10%-30% above their ideal body weight.
It's mainly caused by eating too much or not exercising enough, although some diseases can also cause obesity. To help prevent obesity in your pet, make sure they maintain a healthy diet and give them plenty of exercise.
Animal food includes food for all species of animals and covers pet food, pet treats, food for horses, and food for food-producing animals, like cows and pigs. According to a 2022 Association for Pet Obesity Prevention survey, 60% of cats and 59% of dogs in the U.S. are overweight or obese.
Dogs of overweight owners were >3 times more likely to be obese (OR = 3.05; 95% CI 1.57–5.82; p = 0.001). Moreover, we found a positive relationship between the degree of obesity of dogs and the BMI of their owners; 66.4% of the owners of overweight/obese dogs were also found to have overweight.
Despite clinical studies which have found that up to 65% of dogs are obese or overweight17,18, 82% of dog owners told us that their dog was the ideal weight and 78% of cat owners and 87% of rabbit owners told us the same. Less than 1% of dog owners and only 1% of rabbit and cat owners described their pet as obese.
If you think your dog is overweight, you should first schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. When a dog has extra pounds on them it could be a sign of an underlying health issue or could contribute to other health problems such as diabetes or joint pain.
When we think of animal cruelty, many of us will imagine a starving, bone-thin animal. Sadly, many cruelty and neglect cases result in emaciated animals. However, abuse also occurs when an owner over-feeds an animal to the point of obesity.
Pet obesity is an epidemic, with more than 50% percent of dogs and cats in the United States obese or overweight. Pets who are overweight or obese have an increased risk for numerous health problems that may decrease their life expectancy and quality of life.
Worldwide, studies estimate that up to 63% of pet cats and 59.3% of pet dogs are overweight or obese. This condition is linked with many diseases, including osteoarthritis and feline diabetes. Studies also show that overweight or obese pets do not live as long as their leaner counterparts.
In North America, obesity is the most common preventable disease in dogs. The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention reports that more than 50% of dogs are overweight.
According to the latest Pet Obesity Prevalence Survey from the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP), 59 percent of evaluated dogs in the United States were classified as being overweight or obese in 2022.
The 2022 Pet Obesity Prevalence Survey showed an increase in overweight and obese dogs and cats, with 59% of dogs and 61% of cats classified as overweight or obese. For dogs, this percentage increased from 56% in 2018 and 2017, and for cats a slight increase from 60%.
The preferred BCS scale ranges from 1 (emaciated and extremely underweight) to 9 (dangerously obese with an extreme amount of body fat). An ideal body score is typically a 4 or 5 with a healthy amount of muscle and body fat. Ribs, spine and hip bones are easily felt and my be visible (coat my interfer with visibility).
Introduction: My name is Margart Wisoky, I am a gorgeous, shiny, successful, beautiful, adventurous, excited, pleasant person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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